This humble but plucky bungalow has stood guard over its own stretch of sandy beach in Napeague Harbor on Long Island, NY, just east of Amagansett, since 1948. Its new lease on life began in early 2010 when new owners took possession and embarked on a first round of urgent renovations in hopes it would be ready for the summer that was around the corner. That meant a complete gut, replacing the substructure, the plumbing and electrical services as well as giving the house new cedar roof trusses, which are exposed by raised ceilings, and new floors of maple.

At just 800 square feet, it was a pint-sized home waiting for a gallon-sized family. That meant maximizing everything. A long open-plan space filled with sunlight comprises the kitchen, dining, bathroom and living area while to the side are two bedrooms each with loft spaces. Phase II of the renovation project, that may include expanding the footprint of the home, will be completed before summer 2011 when the family will return to its cozy welcome and to the allure of the beach, widely regarded as a kite-surfer’s paradise.